Abstract
BackgroundPsychological morbidities concurrent with HIV have been the focus of considerable scientific investigations. However, researchers have largely overlooked HIV-related stress and resilience among women living with HIV in rural communities.AimThis study explored the associations between psychological resilience and HIV-related stress among women living with HIV.SettingThe study was conducted in three randomly selected hospitals that provide primary HIV care in Niger state, Nigeria.MethodsA predictive cross-sectional design was used to describe the relationship between perceived stress and resilience among the study population.ResultsOut of 748 participants who completed the Connor–Davidson resilience scale and the perceived stress scale questionnaires, 676 returned the questionnaire in usable form. While the results showed moderate levels of perceived stress and a high level of psychological resilience, there was a significant and negative relationship between HIV-related stress and psychological resilience (r = -0.601, p = < 0.001). Also, higher resilience was significantly associated with decreased perceived stress.ConclusionIt is concluded that measures to promote resilience and employment opportunity may ameliorate HIV-related stress among women living with HIV.
Highlights
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains the world’s most affected region by the HIV epidemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) progress report estimated the prevalence of HIV infection among Nigerian women to be 3.4% compared with a prevalence rate of 2.6% among men.[2]
Stressors among women living with HIV (WLWH) may be HIV disease specific and non-HIV specific
Summary
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains the world’s most affected region by the HIV epidemic. It is reported that more than half of the 36.9 million people infected with HIV live in SSA.[1] More than three decades after the discovery of HIV, sub-Saharan African women still account for over 56% of new cases of infection.[1] The prevalence of the epidemic varies from one country to another in SSA. The prevalence of HIV and AIDS among women in the region calls for attention. The World Health Organization (WHO) progress report estimated the prevalence of HIV infection among Nigerian women to be 3.4% compared with a prevalence rate of 2.6% among men.[2]. Researchers have largely overlooked HIVrelated stress and resilience among women living with HIV in rural communities
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